German teamwork.
One of the most legendary BMW models in more recent memory is the M3 CSL. The lightweight motorsport-oriented coupe was the pinnacle of road-going M3 models during its time and was the closest thing to a BMW race car on the market.
Fast forward eight years, and the CSL is still one of the most sought after BMW M3 models. Two German tuning companies, MR Car Design and REIL Performance, teamed up to get even more out of the sports car with a new M3 CSL tuning program that utilizes a number of other upgrades from another legendary German sports car.
Many of the E46 BMW M3 CSL’s bodywork is constructed from lightweight carbon fiber such as the doors, hood, and tailgate to reduce weight. The same weight saving mindset was also applied to the rear windows that were each replaced with Plexiglas. As part of the M3 CSL tuning program, the team also borrowed the large rear spoiler from a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR to generate additional downforce. The entire exterior was then given a dark blue CFC foil wrap as a base and then Bright Blue Metallic and Cherry Red stripes were added to represent the “M” color scheme.
The 3.2-liter inline-six engine in the M3 CSL was given a slight tune by REIL Performance to produce an output of 391 horsepower. MR Car Design also installed a custom exhaust system that utilizes the true dual-exhaust design of the stock car.
REIL Performance and MR Car Design then went back to borrowing performance parts from the Porsche 911 in their M3 CSL tuning program with the addition of a six-piston front, four-piston rear grooved discs braking system from the rear-engined sports car. The standard wheel and tire setup was replaced with a stylish and grippy set of BBS wheels paired up with Yokohama tires. To ensure that the E46 BMW M3 CSL is more precise through the corners, a Bilstein suspension kit was fitted along with a welded roll cage for safety.
The REIL Performance and MR Car Design BMW M3 CSL tuning program helps reduce weight down to 2,772 lbs (1,260 kg.) and can run the “North Loop” of the Nürburgring in 7:43. The complete transformation of the car is available for 130,000 Euros.
REIL and MR Car Design E46 M3 Tuning Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 3.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-six
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 391 (288 kW)
-REIL Performance tuning
-MR Car Design custom exhaust system
Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Suspension:
Wheels: BBS
Tires: Yokohama performance
Brakes: Six-piston front, four-piston rear, grooved discs from a Porsche 911 GT3
Suspension: Bilstein
Exterior:
-Dark Blue, Cherry Red, and Blue Metallic exterior wrap
-Rear 911 GT3 RSR spoiler
-Carbon fiber doors, hood, tailgate
-Rear Plexiglas windows
REIL and MR Car Design E46 M3 Tuning Gallery
[Source: REIL Performance/MR Car Design]
What do you think of the tuned version of the M3 CSL? Leave a comment and let us know!
